In the article, we consider the “Instructions” for use and feedback.
At present, the problem of lesions of the musculoskeletal system has become especially acute, which, unfortunately, appears in both elderly and young people. Therefore, new drugs are being produced to eliminate such diseases. One such tool is Structum. This drug is one of the chondroprotectors, allows you to stop the destruction processes in the body and restore cartilage. The composition of the tool includes the active component of chondroitin sulfate, which is the structural basis of human bone tissue. The article will describe how to treat Structum correctly, what side effects and contraindications it has.
Release form
According to the instructions for use, Structum is available in three medicinal varieties: blue capsules in an amount of 250 milligrams (Structum 250) and 500 milligrams (Structum 500), in the form of coated tablets, as well as an injection solution.
Action funds
Structum tablets are included in the list of chondroprotectors - such drugs that protect joints and cartilage from destruction. This effect is due to the presence of sodium salt in the product. It must be said that chondroitin is almost the basis of cartilage tissue, and therefore it is very important for maintaining them in good condition.
Another action of the drug is the stimulation and activation of the synthesis of hyaluronic acid, which is responsible for the normal viscosity of the synovial fluid (this fluid also has a direct effect on cartilage). Among other things, chondroitin also has an antiseptic effect that helps eliminate tissue inflammation.
According to the instructions for use of the "Structure", the components of the drug prevent changes in cartilage tissue, leading to its degeneration and decay. In addition, articular mobility improves, and over time, the pain syndrome is almost completely stopped. The effect is also on bone tissue. For example, it is strengthened and regenerated due to the accumulation of calcium here.
Instructions for use indicate that Structum is absorbed in the human intestine at a high speed and penetrates the blood after about four hours, into the cartilage tissue after five hours. Just in the latter, it begins to accumulate (collect) to the required amount. Positive changes in the condition of the joints and cartilage in the period from three and a half to four weeks become noticeable. The drug also does not stop after the course of treatment is completed - it continues to function for another six months, after which it is necessary to repeat the therapy.
Indications for use
As indicated by the instructions for use, Structum may help with some musculoskeletal pathologies. The main cases:
- arthrosis (including primary);
- intervertebral osteochondrosis;
- articular osteochondrosis;
- osteoarthrosis of the spine;
- osteoarthrosis of large joints;
- other joint diseases, as well as degenerative-dystrophic diseases of the spine.
Negative manifestations, contraindications
What else does the instruction for use with Structum tablets tell us?
The list of contraindications for the drug includes the following conditions and characteristics of patients:
- thrombophlebitis and phlebitis;
- lactation period;
- pregnancy;
- age up to fifteen years (there are no data on the use of the drug by patients at this age);
- various bleeding and tendency to them;
- high sensitivity to certain substances and components of the drug.
Regarding the side effects, it must be said that they appear very rarely, however, nevertheless, they can occur. Those taking the drug most often have digestive defects: flatulence, nausea, constipation, or, conversely, diarrhea. If a person is prone to various kinds of allergic reactions, he may experience small swelling or a rash. In all these situations, you need to stop taking the drug.
Mode of application
Instructions for use to the "Structure" must be strictly observed. In what dosages and how should I take the drug? The patient should tell the patient about this after a rigorous examination. However, doctors are more often advised to take the drug in one capsule, that is, five hundred milligrams, twice a day. Using it in no way depends on the time of eating.
Swallow the capsule whole, do not need to chew, just drink it with water. In some situations, in the first three weeks of treatment, the patient should take 1,500 mg per day (it is better to divide the dose into two and take two capsules once: 500 mg and immediately 250 mg). The daily dosage after this can be reduced to 500. The instructions for use to the "Structure" confirms this.
The treatment course can last from three to six months, which depends on the condition of the patient and the specific pathology. Therapy can be repeated after 3-4 months. For taking pills, all the recommendations are the same. When using injections, the prepared solution is administered 0.1 mg intramuscularly at a time. Injections are done every other day. With good tolerance to the drug, a specialist can double the dosage. The treatment course usually includes twenty-five to thirty-five injections. Therapy is reappointed after six months.
So it is said in the instructions for use for Structum injections.
Drug efficacy
When should you expect the effective action of the drug? The active substance is well absorbed by the intestines, it enters the blood after 3-4 hours. Their main goal, namely, synovial and cartilage fluid, all components reach after five hours. In these places, the drug will just accumulate. Given this cumulative effect, it was found that changes are observed only after 3-4 weeks (maybe later in some cases) after the start of the treatment course. In this case, the effect remains for a long time. In the next 5-7 months, the components of the composition will remain in the cartilage, after which they will begin to be removed from there a little (and the treatment course is then repeated again).
Drug Interactions
The drug "Structum" with simultaneous use can enhance the effect of antiplatelet agents, fibrinolytic drugs and anticoagulants. No other interaction was detected. But it is always necessary to inform the specialist about taking other medicines so that he prescribes the right amount of Structum.
Analogs
Structum analogues are not indicated in the instructions for use.
The first group of substitutes in the form of the active component contains chondroitin sulfate. These are such drugs as Arthrocelsus, Struktnotin, Mukosat, Chondroitin, Chondroxide, Chondrolon and others.
The second group in the composition has glucosamine in addition to chondroitin sulfate, which also has a positive effect on the joints. Such funds include Arthra, Teraflex and others.
In the third group of analogues, natural components are the concentrates of the cartilage tissue of marine animals and fish, as well as soy bean extracts. It includes drugs: "Rumalon", "Piaskledin" and "Alflutop."
Reviews about the drug
Reviews about the drug "Structum" do not differ dramatically from reviews about other drugs with an identical composition. In all forums that contain patient reviews about this medicine, it is said that chondroitin-based medications are most effective as part of complex therapy, including procedures to enhance blood circulation, as well as therapeutic gymnastics.
Doctors say that the drug is more effective in the form of an injection than other types of drugs (capsules and tablets). Reviews about the "Structural" are contradictory: there are both positive and negative. It suits someone, someone doesn’t. That is why the medicine can not be taken independently. Before treatment, you need to see a doctor.
Patients ask: "What is better than Structum or Arthra?". If we compare their composition, we can understand that Arthra has a more complex effect, since it additionally contains glucosamine, which protects the cartilage tissue from various injuries.
We reviewed the "Instrument" application instructions, reviews and analogues.